Albert Londe

Albert Londe
File:Albert Londe.jpg Albert Londe, French photographer and medical researcher
Born	26 November 1858 La Ciotat, France
Died	19 September 1917 Paris, France
Nationality	French
Occupation	Photographer, Medical Researcher

Albert Londe (26 November 1858 – 19 September 1917) was a pioneering French photographer and researcher known for his work in medical photography and chronophotography. He made significant contributions to the field of neurology through his innovative photographic techniques, which were used to study human movement and medical conditions.

Early Life and Education

Albert Londe was born in La Ciotat, France. Little is known about his early education, but he developed an interest in photography at a young age. His passion for the medium led him to Paris, where he began working at the Salpêtrière Hospital under the direction of the renowned neurologist Jean-Martin Charcot.

Career and Contributions

Londe's career was marked by his innovative use of photography in medical research. At the Salpêtrière Hospital, he was tasked with documenting the symptoms and treatments of patients with neurological disorders. This work required precision and creativity, as he needed to capture detailed images of patients' movements and expressions.

Chronophotography

One of Londe's most significant contributions was his development of a multi-lens camera capable of taking multiple photographs in rapid succession. This device, which could take up to twelve images per second, was a precursor to modern motion picture cameras. Londe used this technology to study the dynamics of human movement, contributing to the field of chronophotography.

Medical Photography

Londe's work at the Salpêtrière Hospital involved photographing patients with various neurological conditions, including hysteria and epilepsy. His photographs were used by Charcot and other physicians to analyze and diagnose these conditions. Londe's images were notable for their clarity and detail, providing valuable insights into the physical manifestations of neurological disorders.

Publications

Albert Londe authored several important texts on photography and its applications in medicine. His book, La Photographie Médicale, published in 1893, is considered a seminal work in the field. In it, Londe detailed the techniques and equipment necessary for medical photography, influencing future generations of medical photographers.

Legacy

Albert Londe's work laid the foundation for the use of photography in medical research and education. His techniques and innovations continue to influence the fields of medical imaging and motion picture technology. Londe's contributions are recognized as pivotal in the development of both medical photography and the study of human movement.

Also see

• Jean-Martin Charcot
• Chronophotography
• Salpêtrière Hospital
• History of photography